Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is facing mounting challenges within his own party, as new internal data suggests a drop in support among key Democratic voters in Pittsburgh—a demographic that was instrumental in his 2022 election win. The internal survey, conducted by a Democratic-affiliated firm involved in the upcoming Pittsburgh mayoral primary, indicates that 49 percent of likely Democratic primary voters in the city now hold an unfavorable view of Fetterman. By contrast, 46 percent view him favorably.
The findings are notable when compared to approval levels for other Democratic leaders in the state. The same survey found that 82 percent of respondents have a favorable opinion of Governor Josh Shapiro, with only 13 percent expressing an unfavorable view. Fetterman, who resides just outside Pittsburgh, has historically relied on strong urban support to bolster his statewide performance.
The survey results were compiled prior to the release of a New York Magazine article detailing reported internal concerns among Fetterman’s staff about his ongoing recovery from a stroke suffered in 2022. The article also highlighted questions regarding the senator’s mental and physical health, raising speculation about his ability to serve a full term.
In response to the survey and media coverage, Fetterman and his allies have dismissed the criticism as politically motivated. U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) defended the senator in a statement on X, alleging that the scrutiny is tied to Fetterman’s pro-Israel stance. “I know a hit piece when I see one,” Torres wrote. “The only reason for the coordinated campaign against Senator John Fetterman is his unapologetic pro-Israel politics. Let’s call it what it is.”
Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), Fetterman’s Republican counterpart in the Senate, also came to his defense. McCormick condemned the recent wave of criticism as overly personal and unproductive. “While we have many differences, we are both committed to working together to achieve results for the people of Pennsylvania and make their lives better,” McCormick said in a statement.
Despite assurances from Fetterman’s team, the internal survey has raised concerns among Democratic strategists and lawmakers. Politico reports that the mood among party insiders in Pittsburgh has shifted noticeably, with one unnamed strategist describing the situation as a “break-glass, freak-out moment for Fetterman.”
Democrats loved Fetterman when he was reliably woke and progressive, but when he dared to speak his mind about Israel, look at how they treated him. They did the same thing to Tulsi Gabbard, who we invited to @CPAC, and I’d invite Senator Fetterman too. pic.twitter.com/W77bLLSUIx
— Matt Schlapp (@mschlapp) May 9, 2025
The speculation surrounding Fetterman’s political future has led to renewed discussions about a potential Democratic primary challenge in 2028. Fetterman previously secured the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2022 after defeating former Representative Conor Lamb, a moderate candidate, in a heated primary contest.
Several Democratic officials in Pennsylvania have been cautious when asked about the possibility of supporting a primary opponent. Representative Summer Lee (D-PA), whose district encompasses Fetterman’s hometown, told Politico she had not spoken with the senator in recent weeks. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), who represents a portion of the Philadelphia suburbs, offered a similar response.
The democrats eat their own when they don’t agree with everything they say and want! Fetterman seems to be the only one who thinks for himself! pic.twitter.com/1oNTX8Fzjv
— KellyCurrie45 (@KaCurrie_45) May 8, 2025
Regardless of whether Fetterman seeks re-election, Pennsylvania is expected to be a battleground in the 2028 Senate race. The state has a track record of competitive contests, most recently demonstrated in the 2024 election, when Dave McCormick narrowly defeated three-term Democratic incumbent Senator Bob Casey. The closely watched nature of Pennsylvania’s Senate races underscores the significance of any shifts in voter sentiment among Democratic constituencies in key cities like Pittsburgh.
